Our Home Economics department recently enjoyed a visit from Mr David Gibson and Mrs Joy Rollston from Pinkertons.

The purpsoe of the visit was to meet with Teacher Mrs Alexander and Year 11 pupils Jessica Acheson, Emma-Louise Bailie and Kelly-Ann Smyth who will be competing in the Armagh Show School Cookery Competition on Saturday 17th June, which is being sponsored by the Armagh based company.

David and Joy spoke about what to expect whilst competing on the day of the show and this will certainly help the girls prepare and alleviate any fears and anxieties they may have. Best wishes to Jessica, Emma-Louise and Kelly-Ann.

23/05/17 – Newtownhamilton High: The Top Non-Selective Controlled School in N Ireland

The annual publication of GCSE league tables by the Irish News has proved to be favourable reading for everyone connected with Newtownhamilton High as the school has been identified as the Top Non-Selective Controlled School in Northern Ireland for 2015/16 based on the number of pupils gaining 5 GCSE grades at A*-C, including GCSE English and Maths.

Newtownhamilton High Principal Neil Megaw stated “While we are delighted with our placing in these latest league tables, it is important to stress that this is not a one year wonder and that we have been consistently performing exceptionally well over the past 10 years. In fact, our current 3 year average is 20% above the Northern Ireland average for similar type schools”.

Mr Megaw added “I have always said that the success of any school depends on staff, parents and pupils all working in partnership. Yes, there were a few challenging moments along the way but collectively the class of 2016 produced an outstanding set of exam results and therefore I pay tribute to everyone involved in this achievement”.

Congratulations to the following 4 pupils who received merit prizes in assembly recently:

• Year 8 – Christian Grainger – 89 Whitewater

• Year 9 - William Lowe – 85 Fane

• Year 10 - Hannah Bell - 103 Fane

• Year 11 - Kris Cartmill – 90 Whitewater

108/149 pupils (72%) were in the draw and all of these pupils achieved at least 85 out of a possible 100 merits since the introduction of our new Positive Behaviour Policy on 7th November 2016.

These merits are awarded to reward the vast majority of pupils who attend school regularly, on time and do everything that is asked of them during the school day. The merits are also transferred to Housepoints and added to those gained during the House competitions and Sports Day. The winning House will be awarded with a trophy on Prize Night.

Merit Prize Winners

17/05/17 - Year 8 Shared Education

Our Year 8 pupils joined with our partner schools in Newtownhamilton High School recently for a number of engaging workshops on racism and sectarianism. Pupils participated in activities to show them the effects of racism and sectarianism and were challenged to consider how they respond to people from different cultures and religions. The PSNI highlighted the consequences of getting caught up in hate crimes and how young people can take a stand and bring about change. Everyone enjoyed the delicious break provided by the canteen staff and gave pupils an opportunity to develop friendships in a relaxed atmosphere.

A special thank you to the PSNI (Rob, Stevie and Des), to Wayne from the EA and to Lisa Hall (Council) and of course to all the pupils who actively took part and showed clearly how pupils from all different walks of life can work together and learn from each other.

12/05/17 - Whitewater Double Delight in Annual House Matches.

Excellent weather conditions set the scene for the 2017 house matches in Hockey and Football. Whitewater proved to be too strong in both sports as they achieved a clean sweep, winning all matches on the way.

Although the Hockey decider against Whitewater and Dorsey was a keenly contested affair, the girls from Whitewater eventually came out on top. In the football the afternoon match prove to be the decider against Whitewater and Fane. Another close encounter ensued but Whitewater's rock solid defence proved to be too strong for Fane's pacey attack and the boys in all white prevailed.

Thanks also to the School Association who provided the BBQ to put an end to another successful competition.

12/05/17 - Pupils Grill Local Councillor

Year 10 pupils had the opportunity to meet with local Councillor David Taylor to discuss some of the issues surrounding the local community.

Issues such as improving the infrastructure of the town and attracting investment to the area were debated at length and the pupils were impressed with the Councillor's answers and understood that it is their social responsibility to help improve their local community along with the local authorities.

09/05/17 – SRC Success for Year 12 Pupils

Congratulations to the following pupils on their success at the annual SRC Awards Ceremony, which was held in the Canal Court Hotel on Monday 8th May 2017.

• Calvin Park – Best Pupil in Plumbing Award

• Kerry Warnock – Best Pupil in Beauty Therapy Award

• Jamie Dawson – Best Pupil in Motor Vehicle Award

• Aaron Whyte – Best Pupil in Electrical Award

Newtownhamilton High has performed exceptionally well at this event over recent years and the class of 2017 certainly did not disappoint. Well done to all participants and also to staff members Mr A Cousins, Mrs B McNiece, Mrs R Smyth and Miss L McNiece for all their work during the year.